Born 1855
Died Bishops Tawton, near Barnstable, Devon August 1924
“He shewed me his left arm. He said “Isn’t my arm bad” He said “I cut it in hitting the dining room window to let out the smoke.” I said “That was foolish” He said “I was obliged to do it the smoke was so thick I could not find my way back to the door.” At 9 o’clock the same day Lee came to me. I was standing at the door of the back entrance. He was shaking. I said “You are feeling the cold”. He said “So would you if you had been running with only your shirt and trousers on.””
F. G. Boughton’s police career lasted 31 years. Retired February 1913 whilst serving at Ashburton Devon, his penson was 60 16s 8d.
The death has occurred at Bishops Tawton, near Barnstaple, of ex-police Sgt Frederick George Boughton, who served for over 36 years in the Devon constabulary, and figured in the arrest and trial of John Lee, who was convicted of the murder of Miss Keyse at Babbicombe in November, 1884, but whom attempts to hang at Exeter Gaol proved ineffectual.
Mr Boughton retired from the constabulary several years ago, and went to reside at Bishops Tawton, but resumed police duties during the war. He held at the Kings Coronation medal. Among the places he was stationed were Brixham, Babbicombe, St Giles, Clovelly, Avonwick, and Ashburton.
He had carried out the duties of village Sexton at Bishops Tawton for some time past. Deceased, who was 69 years of age, lost only his son in the war. He leaves three daughters.
(this page was re-edited: 25 March 2012)
